How to deal with project overload You're delivering your projects. Everything is fine. And then you're given another one. It's still fine, so then another. And then the wheels begin to fall off... How to identify if you are overloaded What problems it causes Who is actually responsible? How to deal with the situation What if it doesn't work out like you hoped? What do you do then? =========================Thanks for listening. Please subscribe, like or give us a 5* rating on your podcast app! We really appreciate it. http://www.pmtrainingsquad.com (please note this podcast was previously cal ..read more

In this podcast we discuss some of the merits of permanent and contract roles, and consider the factors that you might want to consider when deciding what's the right career option for you. PERM- base salary- company car- pension- other fringe benefits- training (usually paid for)- progression/transition- mentoring- redundancy- security- experience depends on employer CONTRACT - IS usually paid more- admin hassle- need to manage your own money- keep a buffer (both for the taxman and in case you are on the bench) min 6M but ideally 1yr- take renewals - evidence of this shows competence- will de ..read more

Many people will now be working from home for the first time which, if you are used to 5 days working in the office, can be a culture shock. We look at what you need to create a productive working environment that fits in with your home life.   Broadband - plus your backup Recommended kit Working environment - separate from your home area Take breaks and get fresh air Daily routine Use meetings effectively in multiple ways Set clear targets and communicate these Tools you can use Addressing social isolation Use the phone instead of email Activities/opportunities outside work   View ..read more

In this episode we outline a straightforward process and approach which orgnaisations can use to help prepare for restrictions imposed due to the Coronavirus / Covid19 pandemic. In particular when you have no access to your premises.   Approach / Project Phases 1. Analysis - what systems have I got, and how critical are they? How to ask the right questions to determine this. 2. Requirements - what do we need to do, in detail? 3. Delivery - implementation, what are the tasks, who is doing them and by when? 4. Test - make sure everything works as expected.   Remote control software too ..read more

In this episode we consider if AI could perform the Project Manager's role and ultimately put you out of a job. Let's hope not!   Technical links referred to https://eng.uber.com/introducing-ludwig/ https://www.tensorflow.org/ https://pytorch.org/ =================== Thanks for listening! Please subscribe, like or leave us a 5* review if you found this useful. http://www.pmtrainingsquad.com     ..read more

What are the two most important words in delivering projects? This podcast is my view on some behaviours and words/phrases which may improve team working, and therefore help to deliver your projects. In no specific order or priority…. 1. Admit your weaknesses - don’t be afraid to ask for help. 2. Deal with unresponsive people - walk and talk rather than mail and wail! 3. Foster a team ethos - remember as a PM you’re not doing the actual work! 4. Ask for clarifications… “I understand that..” or “my understanding is….” 5. Share problems and solve these collaboratively. 6. Acknowledge when you ma ..read more

How to run effective project meetings In this podcast we’re covering meetings, both from an organiser but also from an attendee perspective. We cover some basic dos and don’ts to avoid meetings becoming inefficient and a time-drain. And we talk about biscuits :-) Organiser • Keep meetings an efficient length. 30-45 mins works for most meetings. (Almost all the 3 hour meetings I’ve been to could have been run in half that time or less) • Be ruthless about attendees - only invite who really needs to be there • Be clear about the meeting objective • Issue an agenda and stick to it. Bullet points ..read more

Change Management is one of those subjects which is often regarded as a 'dark art' and shrouded in mystery. But it's not that difficult provided you take a structured approach and watch out for a few gotchas. In this podcast we cover one approach (other approaches are available :-) and cover these in some detail. Clearly in a 20min slot we're not going to cover everything you ever wanted to know about managing change, but hopefully you'll take away some items of value. The stages are:1. Analyse2. Stakeholder Engagement3. Communications4. Training5. Implement6. Monitor and Optimise Download the ..read more

There are some items that every project manager should have in their toolkit - one of these is the Decision Log. We explain what it is, how to use it and an example of where it helped me out on a real project! Download your free Decision Log template from http://www.thesmarterpm.com/resources ..read more

In this episode we explore some of the key ways in which an Agile approach can add or deliver value, particularly when compared to a waterfall methodology. We're very much focussing on the business value rather than a technical or methodology discussion. We'll explore the benefits of early and frequent delivery, talk about feedback opportunities and also cover how business adoption can often be a barrier. Use this to help explain the benefits of agile in your organisation ..read more